On April 18, 2025, a significant meeting took place involving key figures from the Highway Police as they addressed pressing issues concerning traffic violations and safety along Thailand's highways. Pol.Lt.Gen. Ditsawat Phuengkham, the commander of Highway Police 8, along with his team, including Pol.Lt.Col. Thiti Phanthatsawat and Pol.Lt.Col. Jamreon Noorak, convened to discuss ongoing investigations and measures to enhance road safety, particularly with the Songkran festival approaching.
During the meeting, the officers reviewed a recent incident involving a collision between a BMW and a pickup truck on the motorway. The situation arose when the BMW was found in a lane that was not permitted, leading to a dangerous maneuver that resulted in an accident. The police are preparing to charge both drivers for reckless driving, which caused damage to property under the Land Traffic Act, with a potential fine of up to 4,000 baht for each party.
However, the case against Mr. Peech, the driver of the BMW, is more complicated. Authorities discovered that his vehicle's license plate had expired since June 27, 2021, and he was driving without a valid driver's license. Additionally, there are questions surrounding the usage of the M-Flow toll collection system during the holiday period when tolls were waived. The police are investigating whether Mr. Peech intentionally misused the system.
As the investigation continues, it was noted that the Highway Police found no alcohol in Mr. Peech’s system during a breathalyzer test conducted two hours after the incident. This finding may influence the outcome of his case. The police are also scrutinizing the licensing information, as initial checks revealed discrepancies in the vehicle's registration.
In a separate development, Prime Minister Phayao Chinnawat held a meeting to follow up on the tragic collapse of the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) building. This incident has raised significant public concern, and the Prime Minister is adamant about holding those responsible accountable. She indicated that arrest warrants may be issued soon as investigations progress.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister urged all relevant agencies, including the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), to expedite their cooperation and provide essential documentation that has been delayed. "This issue cannot wait; we must gather all evidence and reasoning thoroughly," she stated, emphasizing the need for accountability in light of the lives lost due to the building's collapse.
The Prime Minister's office has been coordinating with various departments, including the Meteorological Department and the Department of Mineral Resources, to assess the impact of recent earthquakes on the building's integrity. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that all factors contributing to the collapse are thoroughly investigated.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister expressed her dissatisfaction with the slow response from some agencies involved in the investigation, particularly regarding the evidence presented by the NACC. She highlighted the importance of separating those involved in the construction from the investigative process to maintain objectivity.
As the DSI continues to probe into multiple aspects of the case, concerns have been raised about the quality of materials used in the building's construction, including substandard steel and concrete. The investigation also aims to uncover any potential corruption in the bidding processes and contracts associated with the project.
In her address, the Prime Minister reiterated her commitment to ensuring that justice is served and that no one is above the law. She stated, "It is impossible for there to be no one at fault in a situation like this." There are ongoing investigations into allegations of forgery related to signatures that may have facilitated the construction's approval.
With both the Highway Police and the Prime Minister's office actively pursuing accountability in their respective cases, the public is keenly watching how these situations unfold. The investigations highlight the government's commitment to road safety and structural integrity, particularly in the wake of tragic incidents that have claimed lives.
As the Songkran festival approaches, the Highway Police are on high alert to ensure that traffic regulations are followed, and measures are in place to prevent accidents. The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and government departments is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by increased travel during this festive period.
In conclusion, the events of April 18, 2025, underscore the ongoing efforts by Thailand's authorities to enhance public safety and accountability. The commitment to thorough investigations in both the traffic incident and the building collapse reflects a broader initiative to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens.
